Artists to display their new pieces
CELEBRATED local artists Christine Clarke and Noreen White are set to make a welcome return to the Littleborough Coach House.
Most of this exhibition of recent work is being shown for the first time and reflects preoccupations both artists have with the natural world or objects that carry personal meanings or that they find visually fascinating.
Christine is showing five large textile hangings with mythic, goddess-like figures that celebrate the natural world and incorporate appliqué, dyes and detailed embroidery.
They have emotional meanings for her that add depth and impact.
Christine said: “In my 2D work I use various media – oil paint, acrylic, watercolour, batik, mixed media and sewing.
“Most of my work is figurative.
“Some pieces are more structural expressing my interest in natural forms, others a little more abstract edging towards a more intuitive understanding of the life around us.”
Noreen’s still life paintings are close observations in oil or acrylic where the objects and the arrangement and scale contribute to different meanings they have for the artist.
For example, the art nouveau pewter peacock lady that recurs in several is inherited from the artist’s mother, whereas the other cast metal figure was made by her husband. Different scenarios are imagined for these figures.
Her landscapes reflect time spent on a canal boat and hill walking.
Like the still life works, they express personal concerns, such as the foreboding in The Pylons Watch Aerial Battles.
Noreen said: “My current 2D work explores natural forms through a variety of media. I am inspired by water, rocks, trees and gardens.
“I am fascinated by textile techniques, particularly batik and drawing with machine stitch, expressed with a painterly sensibility.
“Other paintings and drawings use close observation and symbolism to explore objects and people.
“The ageing process is tackled in a long-term series of self-portraits.”
From the launch event, Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, tweeted: “On to @littleboroughlocal #CoachHouse for opening of #art #exhibition with Noreen White & Christine Clark, beauty is all around us. Worth a visit!”
Both artists have exhibited widely in the UK and are working on a project with The Whitaker gallery. Noreen and Christine will be showing work at Hollingworth Lake Visitors’ Centre from September 30.
Visit www. noreenwhite.co.uk or www.christineclarke. co.uk.